ARMY National Guard back on Earnhardt Jr.’s car for 2013

The Army National Guard will continue as a primary sponsor of the No.88 Sprint Cup Series team and driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. after extending its relationship with Hendrick Motorsports through the 2013 NASCAR season.

The National Guard will receive primary paint schemes in 20 Sprint Cup races, including the 2013 Daytona 500, and prominent brand placement during all non-primary events.

The National Guard’s association with Hendrick Motorsports began with sponsorship of the No.25 Sprint Cup team for the 2007 season.

Its most recent contract, which included 18 primary paint schemes per year with the No.88 team, was set to expire at the end of 2012.

“It’s an honor to be associated with the National Guard and its Citizen Soldiers,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Like many of the world’s most innovative marketers and leading brands, the Guard sees the opportunities that our sport presents, and they have built a strong effort around it. As we go into 2013 together, we’ll continue to focus on the performance of the program both on and off the racetrack.”

Additional sponsorship for the No.88 Chevy will be announced at a later date.